Occupying 25 acres, the Arunachaleswar Shiva temple in northeastern Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvannamalai, situated at the foot of the Arunachala hill, is one of India’s most ancient temples. Its origin is lost in antiquity. The idols are of Lord Shiva as Lord Annamalai and his consort as Unnamalai.
Legend has it that sages got angry because their wives tries to seduce Siva and cursed him, causing his penis to fall off. It became a great sivaling, and its tejas is represented by fire.
Every year during the Hindu month of Kartikai (November-December), a tenday festival, called Deepam, is held to celebrate the light of Arunachala. A great fire is lit on the hilltop on the tenth day. Arunachala hill is believed to be a miraculous healing place, especially for ailments of the lungs and childlessness in women. The hill has been home to many great masters such as Arunagirinathar and Sri Ramana Maharshi.
Tiruvannamalai is 185 km southwest of Chennai, and is a three-hour train ride from Vellore. If you are driving from Chennai, take the Chengham road and turn right 7.8 km after Yogi Ramsuratkumar Ashram.
HOTELS: Luxury: Arunai Anantha: hotelarunaianantha@ yahoo.co.in 91-4175-237 275. Medium Range: Hotel Trishul: 04175 222219. Budget: Udipi Brindhavan Hotel 91-04175-22693, Nanagaru Ashram 91-4175 235 751
